It’s that time of year again where the summer (not that we had one!) is drawing to an end and our thoughts turn to the dark and dingy depths of our winter wardrobes, contemplating the extent of the cobwebs that may have accumulated there. Astonishingly, on the 2012 autumn/winter catwalk there was a blooming extravagance that one would not expect from a notoriously dark and murky season, and this is all down to the prevalence of florals.
Florals were a recurring theme during the spring/summer catwalk, but this season the flowers appear to have rearranged their petals to blend with the hues of autumn.
Burberry Prorsum has executed this perfectly by giving the flowers of summer a vintage makeover in order to compliment the rest of the collection. The dresses and skirts are styled and structured to give a nod to the 40s and 50s, with studded gloves and clutch bags adding a modern twist.
Autumn shades such as burnt orange, burgundy, mauve, navy and dark green breeze through the collection glorifying the country harvest floral pattern. Furthermore, the presence of velvets and herringbone jackets serves to add a touch of heritage and decadence diffusing an aura of wartime austerity.
The florals that blossom along the D&G runway have also been doused with a touch of decadence and a splash of heritage concocting a Sicilian, baroque-esque collection.
The signature sexy chic that D&G is notorious for is still apparent despite the innocence of the floral patterns, and this is what makes the collection so exciting!
The delicate needle point florals teamed with black lace create an elegant and sexy look which is accentuated by the structured, feminine dresses and skirts. The accessories are equally as magical adding lashings of gold and bold porcelain-like flowers, typical of the baroque era.
Christopher Kane, well known for the 3-D floral effect he created last season with feminine pastel shades and iridescent materials has transfused his autumn collection with more innovative floral designs. Kane has created an oxymoronic collection by taking the innocence of florals and contrasting them with velvet, leather and dark, endearing colours.
Kane uses a dense black thread to build the 3-D flowers with an impact so strong that they appear to flourish and blossom on the garment as they proceed down the runway. He has also created beautifully structured dresses that ooze a sexy, gothic chic with a hint of sophistication given by the austere purple hues that dominate the collection.
Amidst all this, a floral extravaganza is blooming along the British high street ready for our compelling need to update our withering wardrobes! Warehouse in particular has a number of stunning floral dresses ranging from £40-£80 with Topshop and Oasis following suit. One of my favourites is the Oasis Rococo Lace dress which encapsulates the D&G Baroque/floral theme effortlessly, coming in at £80.
